Letters to the Editor for Jan. 22, 2013

Tuesday

Jan 22, 2013 at 12:01 AM

Star-Banner readers share their views on state workers, school security, Shores Hardware, the fiscal standoff and Notre Dame's Manti Te'o.

IngratitudeThis letter is in response to the article of Jan. 18 quoting state Sen. Nancy Detert, R-Venice, as saying, “They should be glad they have a pension to contribute to,” when speaking about the Florida State Pension Fund.How disrespectful this statement was to all the dedicated civil workers in the Florida State Pension Fund.Sen. Detert must know the fact that the majority of the civil workers make an average salary and that no one gets wealthy working for the state. Maybe there should be a mandate that all senators work at jobs within the Florida state government for a two-week period teaching a class of children or riding in a Highway Patrol car or a sheriff's department car, knowing that just getting in that car you are putting your life in danger.Or try riding with a paramedic or fireperson who also put their lives in danger as they help the public when in need. And, don't forget about the construction workers on our Florida highways, and the maintenance workers at the rest stops on the Florida Turnpike who maintain them.All these seasoned workers have to look forward to after years of service is a decent Florida retirement pension. Our current Republican politicians in Tallahassee have not given a raise to Florida state employees for the last six years.Sen. Detert should be glad that the state has faithful employees working for and in the Florida State Retirement System.E. Darrell EvansOcala

The price of securityI am happy to see that Marion County is readdressing security measures used in our public schools. I hope that we also do not use a knee-jerk reaction to the recent violence in public schools.It is a difficult balance to maintain security and yet not make our children more fearful and put more stress on them than they already feel. I believe, in checking recorded school shootings from the late 1800s until the present, there is not an upturn in shooting incidents, but rather they are more widely reported to a larger audience.I would hope that Marion County can step up and pass a referendum helping the school district pay for an upgrade in security. Also, I hope that they check out anti-bullet window laminates. Wouldn't it also be nice if some of the businesses in the community donated or gave a price break to the school district on some of the services they need?Susan PattOcala

The personal touchThe Jan. 18 article “David vs. Goliath” was very well written. But, there is a lot more that needs to be said.I have been a customer of Shores Hardware for 10 years. Not only do they stock items that Walmart and other big store do not, but the big reason that I shop there is the man behind the counter, Steve Prediletto. Here is why:I showed him a camera picture of my kitchen faucet. He handed me the correct repair kit and told me how to repair it. I bought a door lock set from him and he changed it to match my old key at no extra charge. He has cut glass for me and repaired the frame for my window screen. He advised me on how to replace a spring tensioner in my window. He had the replacement part in stock and offered to stop by my home after work if I had any trouble.Try any of this with a clerk at Walmart. It won't happen.Small businesses like this need us to be loyal to them not just for advice and hard-to-find parts, but for our everyday needs as well. Shores Hardware prices are not any higher than most big-box stores.Dennis MorganOcala/

Fiscal standoffThere has been an embarrassing resonance between the messages sent by House Republicans and the signs carried by people on the downtown square saying things like “Obama is a communist” and “Global warming is nothing more than a conspiracy of left-handed bureaucrats.”The latest variation on a repugnant theme is that House Republicans will grant a three-month delay in defaulting on our debts in order to give the Senate time to pass what the House Republicans consider to be a budget. And if the Senate doesn't, then, get this, no senator will be paid his salary until ...Putting it all together, I am looking forward to the day when House Republicans figure out that they are not the only ones who care about fiscal responsibility.Steven M. ChamberlainOcala

Damage to Te'oWell, even if one buys this football fantasy, Manti Te'o being duped and then going along with it after he knew the facts, a lot of damage has been done.Also, let's look at Notre Dame sitting on that information nearly two weeks before the championship game.Something smells here, and it isn't roses.In a way this reminds me of the Casey Anthony case and the nonexistent nanny.As Ohio State and Penn State know, this could bring sanctions against the Golden Domers.That Te'o's special might be the reason coach Brian Kelly paid a visit to the Eagles.Speaking of Philly, “Has anybody here seen Kelly?” The Eagles seem to like the name Kelly. Chip finally taking a questionable coaching gig there after a very successful collegiate career at Oregon.Bob CroninOcala